Ed.D. in PK-12 Educational Leadership

The mission of the TCU Educational Leadership doctoral program is to develop leaders who make a difference for the common good. The program serves professionals from the PK-12 educational context who want to develop the breadth of knowledge and skills needed to succeed in advanced leadership roles within the PK-12 area as well as professionals who work externally to PK-12 but in education-related endeavors (business/corporate training, policy organizations, or nongovernmental organizations). The program weaves several emphases throughout coursework, supporting the student to:

• Develop and practice reflective, ethical, and justice-oriented leadership
• Collaborate with persons from diverse backgrounds, roles, and perspectives in the service of systemic improvements toward excellence and equity
• Communicate effectively via multiple modes (oral, written, via technology)
• Analyze, define, and respond to complex problems
• Anticipate and respond to dynamic environments

An applicant must have a master's degree in education or related field. Applicants must present a strong academic record (GPA of 3.0 or higher in either the last 60 hours of college credit or undergraduate GPA). Applicants to the EDLE Ed.D. must submit:

• Official transcripts of all prior collegiate work (e-transcripts may be sent to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu)
• A statement explaining the applicant's interest in earning the Ed.D. and how the applicant sees the Ed.D. fitting with personal and professional goals
• Equity statement
• Current resume
• Complete either a video or in-person interview
• Online Criminal Background Check

Learn more by visiting the TCU Online Catalog.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a 54-hour degree aimed at enabling leaders in PK-12 contexts to successfully engage in a range of professional endeavors. Students are required to take a suitable number and variety of graduate courses and field-based experiences to prepare for the completion of the capstone project or dissertation-in-practice.

The Ed.D. encompasses a minimum of 54 hours of core courses, fieldwork, and directed capstone or dissertation-in-practice, though additional courses may be needed if prerequisites have not been met or if a student requires more than 15 credit hours to complete the capstone or dissertation-in-practice.  A detailed program of study is outlined in the TCU Online Catalog.

Download program of study (PDF)

 EDLE Ed.D. (PK-12) Cohorts and beyond (54 hours)

 In addition to this program, students seeking principal certification must complete three courses (as non-degree-seeking students) prior to enrollment with the Ed.D. cohort:

• EDLE 60043 (Instructional Supervision A: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment)
• EDLE 60053 (Instructional Supervision B: Supervision, Evaluation & Coaching)
• EDLE 60083 (Data Use for Educational Leaders)

Students seeking principal certification must also complete T-TESS and AEL training at a Regional Service Center prior to TCU personnel releasing the student to sit for either of the principal certification exams (268 and PASL).